Want to build a computer? Is it the right choice for YOU?

Building a computer for your first time can be an enlightening experience. However, before you take on this endeavor, it would be worth your while to factor in the Pros and Cons of such a decision.

Lets start with going over the Pros:
- Biggest Bang for your Buck
Designing and building your own custom computer results in a machine tailored to your exact wants and/or needs. Some manufacturers do give you options to “Customize” their pre-built computers. However the options they give you are extremely limited in comparison to a custom built computer.
- Nothing is Proprietary
Any component or part that you buy from any retailer not directly associated with a name brand computer manufacturer abides by a standard specifically for custom-built computers.
- Quality Components
When it comes to computer parts, you get exactly what you pay for. Unlike the clothing industry, in the computer components world, when there is an increase in cost, there is usually an increase in quality or an increase in performance capability. To reduce cost, Name Brand manufacturers, tend to buy their parts in bulk, which are usually off-brand and low quality. Think of it as the “Powdered version of Milk”. It’s still milk, but cheaper and… well you get the picture… Anyway this results in faster degradation of performance and an over all shorter lifespan of the component.
- Greater Capability of Upgrading and Replacing Components
You don’t have to send your computer to some manufacturer’s workshop out of state for 3 to 8 weeks at a time to have certain parts replaced or upgraded or in some cases have the entire computer replaced (at a cost of course). You can easily pick up the parts at your local computer shop and do it yourself within 1-3 hrs, without the CSR hassle or service fees.
- No Pre-installed “JunkWare”
You don’t have to deal with useless programs and advertisements pre-loaded onto your computer, which take up valuable space and memory.


Building a computer isn’t all peaches and crème. Lets dive into the Cons:
- Tech Support is NOT Included
Some manufacturers include a couple of months to 1 year of free technical support. Depending on the specific policy, they can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer should they arise which can range anywhere from the machine not powering on to the classic “OMG why isn’t my Internet working?!?!”. Building your own computer requires you to troubleshoot problems on your own, or pay for your local computer techie to have a look at it for you.
- No System-wide Warranty
Name brand manufacturers usually provide a warranty on the computers they sell as a whole. Meaning you only have to familiarize yourself with one warranty policy. When building your own, each individual part comes with it’s own warranty with different lengths, policies and stipulations that you have to manage.
- The Cost
This one is kind of iffy, which is why I left it for last. You will spend more money on a custom built computer than on a Name Brand computer of the same general specs. However, the Pros I mentioned earlier almost always outweigh the cost difference.


You must balance out the Pros and Cons for yourself to see if this is really the right decision for you. Good luck!

Step One: Write Script -Complete!

I have finished writing the script for my first podcast: "Building a Computer? Things to Consider." It will discuss the pros and cons of building a custom computer vs. buying a name brand manufacturer's computer. Filming starts tonight!

Podcasts to come!

Scripting my first of many Techie Podcasts!